Partial Knee Replacement: Rehabilitation Protocol
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Week 1-2
Goals
Reduction of swelling
Restoration of range of motion
Joint range of motion
Independent walking with crutches
Intermittent cryotherapy to minimize joint swelling over first 4-5 days.
Circumferential compression dressing (Tubigrip) from ankle to thigh.
Elevate the affected limb to minimize swelling.
Ankle exercises for DVT prophylaxis.
Strength and Range of Motion
Range of Motion: need 0-90° Range of Motion
Quadriceps sets
Gluteal sets
Straight leg raises, supine
Knee extensions supine over a roll
Knee extensions from seated
Passive knee straightening with a heel roll supine
Heel slides, seated and supine
Functional Exercises
Walking with crutches
In and out of chair/car
Weeks 2-6
Goals
Improve range of motion
Independent walking on 1 crutch
Strength and Range of Motion
Range of Motion: >90° Range of Motion
Isometric quads, hamstrings, gluteals, adductors
Core stabilizing exercises.
Range of motion exercises
Standing heel raises, calf stretches, mini squats, hamstring curls.
Hydrotherapy after week 2
Functional
Gait normalisation
Reduce reliance upon single crutches
Increase endurance
Stairs
Weeks 6-12
Goals
Normalise gait
Increase stability and endurance
Exercises
Patella mobilization and quads/hamstrings deep tissue massage
Isometric quads, hamstrings, gluteals, adductors
Standing heel raises, calf stretches, mini squats, hamstring curls.
Functional
Start driving using the operative leg
Cease gait aids
Distance cycling and walking
Week 12+
Functional restoration
Resumption of higher intensity activities: golf, tennis, cycling, distance walking
